139 learners from three different schools in the Kavango West Region received full sets of school uniforms from the Mbunza Fishing Company.
The donation catered to orphans and vulnerable school-going children.
The learners who benefited are from Mupini Combined School, Kapako Combined School, and Ruuga Combined School.
"We want to help our learners and protect them from the cold weather. Some do really want to go to school, but they do not have a jersey or school shoes. This made us focus on school kids. We know that the government alone or parents alone will not manage to cater for all. We all know that there is hunger in the country this year, and some parents cannot afford to buy school uniforms for their children when there is no food at home. Even if you buy a school uniform, what will they eat after school?" said Hompa Alfons Kaundu, who was speaking on behalf of the donors.
The beneficiaries were identified with the assistance of life skills teachers.
Amelia Augustu, one of the learners, spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries. "Most of us do not have school uniforms. I really want to thank the person who donated the school uniforms. There are a lot of learners who do not have school uniforms, including me. I really feel happy when I see the school uniform that the chief has given to us."
The mother of some of the beneficiaries, Adeline Mpasi, could not contain her joy. She described her life circumstances as "I have eight children, and dressing the eight children is a struggle for me. Seeing this today is like God has answered my prayers. I don't know how to express my joy; I cannot even control my tears. Hompa Kaundu and your team do not stop with us but continue helping those who are in need and those who did not get anything today. Your turn is coming. Do not feel bad."
A teacher at Kapako Combined School, Laurentia Nyambe, stated that a lack of school uniforms affects learners's performance and also diminishes their confidence.
Nyambe called on more donors to come on board, saying their assistance will not only help the learners but also shape their future.